Fatty acid isoprenoid alcohol ester synthesis in fruits of the African Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis)

The African Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis; family Arecaceae) represents the most important oil crop for food and feed production biotechnological applications. Two types of can be extracted from palm fruits, mesocarp which is rich in palmitic acid carotenoids (provitamin A) tocochromanols (vitamin E), kernel with high amounts lauric myristic acid. We identified fatty phytyl esters (FAPEs) tissues mature mostly esterified oleic very long chain acids. In addition, geranylgeranyl (FAGGEs) accumulated kernels to even larger amounts. contrast, FAPEs FAGGEs composition leaves were similar. Analysis wild accessions Cameroon revealed a considerable variation tissues. Exogenous supplementation phytol or geranylgeraniol slices resulted incorporation these alcohols into FAGGEs, respectively, indicating that they are synthesized via enzymatic reactions. Three candidate genes esterase/lipase/thioesterase (ELT) genome. differentially expressed tissue EgELT1 showing highest expression. Geranylgeraniol FAGGE might recycled used as substrate synthesis tocotrienols during fruit development. Thus, provide an additional metabolic source acids geranylgeraniol, respectively.